Maestro Mata has failed to adapt

FanZoner Luke Liddy would be reluctant to see Juan Mata leave Chelsea, but says Jose Mourinho is right to leave the Spaniard's out of his team.

As reports on the future of Juan Mata continue to surface, it is looking ever more likely that the Spanish maestro could be on his way out of the Bridge.

Mata, who has been voted Chelsea's best player for the last two seasons looked certain to become a club legend. Dubbed by many as 'the new Zola', he quickly became a fan favourite, helping us to claim the FA Cup and, more importantly, the Champions League in his first season at the Bridge.

Last season was obviously less successful in terms of silverware, however it was a fantastic campaign for Mata who claimed 19 goals and 35 assists. As a Chelsea fan it was refreshing to have such a technically talented footballer in the team.

After some observers had labelled us a boring team, we were finally exciting to watch - it was reminiscent of the Zola, Poyet era. Mata, Oscar and Hazard's interplay was outstanding, at times producing outlandish displays of attacking football.

With that being said, we were falling short in the league and leaking far too many goals with 'the three amigos' in the team.

Shortly after the second coming of the Special One, stories began to emerge about the fact that Mata may be surplus to requirement under the new Mourinho regime. The rumours turned out to be true. So far this year Mata has started just 11 Premier League games.

At first it seemed outrageous that such a wonderfully gifted player should be subjected to sitting on the bench. Here is a player that has done so much for the club over the last two seasons, a player entering the prime of his career. However it is now becoming clear as to why Jose is sticking with Hazard, Oscar and Willian as the three main attacking midfielders.

It is because they are working tirelessly for the team; closing down defenders, tracking back, carrying the ball when we need possession as well as creating chances and scoring goals.

Mourinho seems to have finally found a balance in the team, we are now more solid at the back and also look a threat going forward.

If the transfer happens it will no doubt be devastating as a Chelsea fan to see Mata go, especially if he ends up at Manchester United, but Mourinho should not be blamed for his departure.

Mata knows why he is being left out of the team, he is not working hard enough without the ball. He is finding it difficult to adjust to Jose's managerial style but a top player should have the capability to improve on certain aspects of his game, especially if it is central to the ethos of the team.

You can't argue with the results over the last few months and that's down to players such as Hazard, Oscar and Willian embracing the manager's style of play. If Mata does stay, then hopefully he can find his way back into the team, however with the World Cup fast approaching it looks as though our beloved Spaniard will jump ship in search of first-team football.

You can follow Luke on Twitter @LOLIDDY2489 - and don't forget to follow @FanZone too for links to all the latest blogs.